The task of counting ballots resumed Wednesday at the Vanderburgh County Election Office. WNIN’s John Gibson visited the office as the count entered the home stretch:
The office suspended the vote tabulation Tuesday night when it became clear the count would take all night.
Remaining ballots were locked in a trunk with two locks -- with a Republican official in possession of one key and a Democratic official in possession of the other key.
The tabulation area is also protected by a surveillance camera.
County Clerk Marsha Abel Barnhart says the state’s paper ballot requirement makes for a slower tabulation process:
"We could use a faster machine but the state legislature doesn't allow for it."
Barnhart remembers a time when the counting did move faster:
“When I was here 20 years ago we used the punch card. And they tabulated quickly but we also had a lot residue on the floor, so there was some question as to whether or not they were accurate.”
Barnhart says the new system may be slower but it’s more secure:
"But we've got everything. You know, that's the other thing, the other good part of it is that we match everything up as we go."
More than 48,000 votes were tallied on Election Night leaving about 26,000 more ballots to count on Wednesday.
Even the partial results showed a strong election for Vanderburgh County Republicans.
